Have you read a 'could not put it down book' lately?

If so....I'm interested in your opinions/thoughts on it.

Greyhound  - got this on Kindle a few weeks ago and read it in one sitting.  Great story about a boy 11 years old coming of age on a long distance country wide Greyhound bus ride.

Janet

Yes.

"The Mongoliad" By Neal Stephenson, Greg Bear and Friends.

The blurb says: 

The story is set in the year 1241 CE when Europe thought that the Mongol Horde was about to completely destroy their world and only a small band of warriors and mystics stood in the way of utter defeat and subjugation by the great Khan.

That doesn't begin to describe this book, though.  It is dark, dark, dark.  Its descriptions of warfare are realistic and therefore completely horrific.  And yet, in a way, it's a beautiful story of isolation and desparation.

There's the young Mongol officer, on a mission to the Great Khan, sent by the Khan's brother to convince him to drink less and lead more.  And the Chinese slave woman who is tasked to civilize this young man so he can complete his task.  Is she falling for him?  Is he falling for her?  Can she escape without him?  Would he help her or turn her in?

There's the young, female messenger, who ends up travelling with a small band of crusaders, with the insane and impossible goal of crossing the Mongol-held lands and assassinating the Khan himself.


I could not put this story down.  But then I had to, because it ended abruptly and the next book won't be released until September.


Note:  I don't usually read violent books.  They give me nightmares.  This book gave me nightmares.  It may give me nightmares for years to come.  But it was too well written to put down.

I just finished the fifth book in the Game of Throne series.  Now like LF, I have to wait for the next one to be released.  Next year?  Year after that?  Arrrgh!!!!

I loved this series and became quite attached to a few of the characters.  I will hate it if the author kills them off.  It is very brutal at times, much like I imagine the medieval period of our history to be.  Women rarely held any position of power.  They were pawns used to forge alliances.

I don't look for any good endings for most of the characters but I have to find out what happens and how this ends.

Just read "The Confession" by John Grisham...not a new book ( 2010, I think) but very good. Discussed it at our bookclub. Related to the "Innocence Project" as a  theme...good stuff!

Also read "The Other Boleyn Girl" by Phillipa Gregory ( yes, it was a movie- didn't see it)  Who knew i'd get so caught up in the drama of Henry, Anne Boleyn and her sister!?  Loved it- and have grabbed up a couple more by this author. I do love the Lee Child books- the Jack Reacher character rocks! I have an account that is getting much too much business at Amazon!

Hope all is well with you!

Margaret

Renee~

I think that you would enjoy the Stone Barrington series by Stuart Woods...they are so good and such a fun  read, short chapters and great story lines that draw you in and keep you engaged!  Check them out on google and be sure to begin with book one.  I also loved the Ed Eagle series by same author and also the Holly Barker series.  Love them all!  I'm also a Lee Child's fan...big time!  Did you know there is a movie coming out ?  Guess who Hollywood is casting as 6'5'' tall Jack Reacher?  Are you ready for this?  Tom Cruise!  I'm thinking no way!!!!  

So many books so little time!

Molly

Deranger - I absolutely love the "Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R. R. Martin (Game of Thrones).  It will likely take years for the next one - ugh!

What could I not put down recently, though?

"50 Shades of Grey" 

mollyg

Renee~

I think that you would enjoy the Stone Barrington series by Stuart Woods.. Ed Eagle series the Holly Barker series.  Love them all!  I'm also a Lee Child's fan...big time!

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford.  Historical fiction based on the Japanese interment during WWII.  It is set in Washington State and has a touching romance to go along with a powerful story of strength.

Thank you all for some great suggestions and only a few of those I've already read!

JanetP---Greyhound is very tempting, it got some good reviews and will probably be one I start with.

I've been interested in the Game of Thrones series, but still am not sure if it's something I'd continue reading.  I have a couple friends tho, who love each one and waited recently for the latest one to be released.

Margaret--I read The Confession and I agree it was a good read, I have also seen several books by Phillipa Gregory and have been tempted many times to get one of her books.  Seems I seem to be drawn to her books, but so far I haven't started one.

Molly---I love the Jack Reacher series and thanks for the reminder that I have a couple paperbacks from a friend I need to read.  I was surprised by the choice of Tom Cruise to play our big tall hero too!

Looks like I need to check out the Stuart Woods books mentioned and I SO appreciate the suggestions & recommendations.  Also Ridingintherain, the book you mentioned 'Hotel On the Corner of Bitter & Sweet' was among my books clubs list a few months ago and I remember many of the members liking the book.

Thanks to all for helping me out here. We have a couple dates planned that I know I'll be able to relax and sit about and READ....I can't wait. I've got several of your suggestions here to choose from and I appreciate them all!

If you enjoy reading series type of books like Woods' Stone Barringtyon and the Jack Reacher books by Lee Child. you might want to try the Lucas Davenport  "PREY" series by John Sandford.  As you can tell,  ,I love to read but usually get my books from the library.  I read too fast and too much to afford to buy books.  I usually can read a book a day!   Retirement and no one around to chat with makes that an easy task.  Plus, I love to read/ DH says I am a "cheap date".  Well, enjoy and happy reading.

I am 16 books into a 20 book series by Dana Stabenow... her Kate Shugak Series.... Kate is such a strong Native  woman, inspirational in many ways... all the books are set in Denali Park in Alaska... with trips out to Anchorage, Fairbanks, Cordova etc... great mysteries with a touch of Romance, and alot of living in the bush of Alaska... (but not so much  that  the whole book is a travel guide)  Kate has a half wolf Dog named Mutt... all who done it's  but they suck you in.... and you really do need to read them in order... the first one of the series is FREE on Amazon for Kindle..... 

akfishergirl

 the first one of the series is FREE on Amazon for Kindle..... 

Stuart Wood's early books were brilliant.  Loved them - loved them.  He got less brilliant as time went on.  His most recent ones seems like he just stamped them out of a press because he needed quick money.

My opinion.

Janet

Thanks Teresa, I just downloaded 'A Cold Day for Murder'...and I bought Greyhound via Kindle too -- I'm looking forward to reading them both.  I appreciate all the replies!

JP -- I was talking to a friend of mine earlier and she said much the same about the Stuart Woods books.  She has a couple she's going to loan me too!